John Astley
Known universally as Johnny, JOHN ASTLEY passed away in a nursing home at Lennox Head, NSW on August 20, aged 97.
Post war, Johnny was a seriously talented racer and a member of Willoughby District MCC. He competed in virtually all forms of the sport but excelled at road racing and Miniature TT (Short Circuit/Dirt Track). He really hit the headlights at Mount Panorama, Bathurst in 1949, riding his new Vincent HRD, when he won the Senior Clubmen’s GP and recorded 127 mph on Conrod Straight. In 1952 he purchased Jack Forrest’s 500cc Manx Norton which he rode to 5th place in the Unlimited TT at Bathurst. Later in the year he made the trip south for the Tasmanian TT at Quorn Hall, where he defeated local Ike Chenhall and Victorian Ray Owen to win the A Grade race. Johnny competed in both the Mount Druitt 24 Hour Races, riding a 650 Triumph in 1954. In the 1955 event Astley finished second outright on 597 laps, riding with Gordon Harmon and Jack Godfrey. Thereafter he concentrated on scrambles on a 500cc Matchless Competition Model, riding at Moorebank and Willoughby’s own circuit at Forest Green, Belrose.